A draft arrangement taking shape between the United States and Hamas would center on the group’s disarmament while recasting the process as a political understanding rather than a formal surrender, according to details aired Thursday on i24NEWS.
The report said Hamas would issue a declaration stating that “at Israel’s request, it no longer poses a threat.” The framework would differentiate between heavy, offensive weaponry and lighter, personal, and defensive arms, using definitions to be drafted by Hamas itself.
If finalized, the document would carry the title “Understanding Agreement on the Issue of Weapons,” deliberately avoiding language that frames the move as an outright capitulation.
The outline of the deal was initially disclosed by Sky News Arabic, which reported that Hamas would agree to give up its weapons and hand over maps of tunnel networks in the Gaza Strip in return for recognition as a political entity.
Sources familiar with the talks said the terms would also provide that “the cessation of weapons use will allow some members of Hamas’ leadership, both military and political, to leave the Gaza Strip with an American assurance that Israel will not harm them in the future.”
Those sources added that Washington would permit a limited number of former Hamas police officers and officials to take part in administering a restructured “New Gaza,” contingent on their passing Israeli and American security vetting.
According to the reporting, U.S. officials have told mediators that Israel has expressed concerns about the proposal, particularly over the prospect of Hamas continuing to operate as a political party within the Palestinian Arab political arena.
